A MAN dragged his girlfriend around by the hair and spat on her in a domestic attack.

John Paul Matthews, aged 36, of Hunter Avenue, Longford, attacked his then-partner following days of arguing, Halton Magistrates Court heard.

Carolyn Viviani, prosecuting, said the defendant exploded after getting out of bed when a friend knocked at the door.

After the victim went to answer the door, Matthews tried to push his bike into her.

"While she was talking to his friend, the defendant kicked her lower leg and spat in her hair," said Mrs Viviani.

"As she got her bag to go, he said 'don't talk to my mates'.

"She ended up on the floor and he knelt on her face.

"The defendant dragged her around the garden and said 'I'll kill you', and punched her.

"He kicked her in the mouth and the friend managed to pull the defendant off, and he ran away."

The incident happened on September 3.

The court heard the victim, who has since left Matthews, suffered cuts to her lip, and bruises and cuts to her arm.

She called police and was extremely distressed, added the prosecution.

Matthews, who has an 'extensive record', pleaded guilty to assault by beating.

The attack also breached a conditional discharge imposed in March for theft.

Gary Heaven, defending, said Matthews 'rightly or wrongly' still believes the relationship could continue.

"Apart from the fact Mr Matthew's recollection of events isn't perfect, more to the point he has no explanation as to why he behaved as he did," said Mr Heaven.

"He believes he's still suffering the effect of his mother's demise.

"He has been referred by his GP to the local mental health services.

"None of this, of course, is an excuse.

"To some extent it doesn't characterise this relationship.

"He is of a mind to think, rightly or wrongly, that their relationship still has legs."

Magistrates adjourned the hearing for a report to be carried out by the Probation Service.

An electronic curfew and restraining order were to be considered, the court heard.